A randomised controlled trial evaluating an alternative mouse and forearm support on upper body discomfort and musculoskeletal disorders among engineers

Conlon, Craig; Krause, Niklas; Rempel, David

doi:10.1136/oem.2006.032243

Cited by 41 publications

(56 citation statements)

References 30 publications

(34 reference statements)

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“…A study of 206 engineers used a 10-point scale to report pain severity similar to the one used in our study (42). Compared to our call center employees, these engineers (who had more control of their work tasks than call center operators) reported lower pain severity in the neck-shoulder (1.9 versus 2.4), right upper extremity (1.7 versus 2.3), and left upper extremity (0.7 versus 1.5).…”

Section: Prevalence Of Effort-reward Imbalancementioning

confidence: 99%

Effort–reward imbalance and one-year change in neck–shoulder and upper extremity pain among call center computer operators

Krause¹,

Burgel²,

Rempel³

2009

Scand J Work Environ Health

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Section: Prevalence Of Effort-reward Imbalancementioning

confidence: 99%

Effort–reward imbalance and one-year change in neck–shoulder and upper extremity pain among call center computer operators

Krause¹,

Burgel²,

Rempel³

2009

Scand J Work Environ Health

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“…Alternative input devices are often used as an intervention to reduce the risk of developing musculoskeletal symptoms or musculoskeletal disorders (Conlon, Krause, & Rempel, 2007;Rempel et al, 2006). Alternative input devices that promote a more neutral forearm posture (less pronation) are found to reduce pain in the upper extremity (Aarås, Dainoff, Ro, & Thoresen, 2001).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Providing Training Enhances the Biomechanical Improvements of an Alternative Computer Mouse Design

Houwink¹,

Hengel²,

Odell

et al. 2009

Hum Factors

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Objective: The purpose of this study is to determine if an alternative mouse promotes more neutral postures and decreases forearm muscle activity and if training enhances these biomechanical benefits. Background: Computer mouse use is a risk factor for developing musculoskeletal disorders; alternative mouse designs can help lower these risks. Ergonomic training combined with alternative input devices could be even more effective than alternative designs alone. Methods: Thirty healthy adults (15 males, 15 females) performed a set of computer mouse tasks with a standard mouse and an alternative mouse while an electromagnetic motion analysis system measured their wrist and forearm postures and surface electromyography measured the muscle activity of three wrist extensor muscles. Fifteen participants received no training on how to hold the alternative mouse, whereas the remaining 15 participants received verbal instructions before and during use of the alternative mouse. Results: The alternative mouse was found to promote a more neutral forearm posture compared with the standard mouse (up to 11.5° lower forearm pronation); however, pronation was further reduced when instructions on how to hold the mouse were provided. Wrist extensor muscle activity was reduced for the alternative mouse (up to 1.8% of maximum voluntary contraction lower) compared with the standard mouse, but only after participants received instructions. Conclusion: The alternative mouse design decreased biomechanical exposures; however, instructions enhanced this potential ergonomic benefit of the design. Application: User knowledge and training are important factors when effectively implementing an alternative ergonomic device.

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Section: Workplace Physical Risk Factorsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…A one year randomized controlled trial found a prevention effect of arm support use in 182 call center operators (Rempel et al, 2006). However, Conlon et al (2008) found the opposite with no effect of forearm support on musculoskeletal symptoms of the neck and shoulder.Other features of an office worker's workstation that may impact on the mechanical load placed on the neck or shoulder muscles include the position of the keyboard on the desk top (Kotani et al, 2007) and location of hard copy documents (Goostrey et al, 2014) with the desk top the least optimal location for documents in terms of requiring the greatest neck movement and muscle activity.Variations in the way computer work is performed may also strain the musculoskeletal system. A more rapid pace of work in stressful conditions is associated with increased muscle activity of the trapezius and extensor digitorum muscles (EMG studies), increased force applied to the computer mouse, increased heart rate, and increased blood pressure (Grace P.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Conflicting evidence for the effect of exercise on the development of neck pain has been reported by two randomized control trials in general asymptomatic workers (Blangsted et al, 2008;Johnson, 1998). Although muscle strengthening may be an effective plan for workers who have less than average muscular function, the prescribed exercises used by Sihawong et al (2014) are quick and easy to perform during working hours in the workplace.Therefore, an exercise program in the workplace could be considered as a preventive strategy for the development of neck pain.Although ergonomic strategies are applied as best practice with standardized guidelines (Government, 2008;WorksafeBC, 2009), numerous randomized control trials have reported limited benefits for the prevention of neck pain in workers (Conlon et al, 2008;Gatty, 2004;Gerr et al, 2005;Martin et al, 2003). The findings of Study 7 suggest that increased time spent in in neutral working posture may protect workers from neck pain.…”

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confidence: 99%

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A longitudinal study of risk factors for non-specific neck pain in office workers

Jun¹

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Neck pain at work is associated with reduced productivity, work absenteeism, and often requires treatment resulting in substantial costs to society. Working with a computer has been linked to the development of neck pain. Computer work is a constant factor in the office work environment, and within industry, office workers show the highest incidence of neck pain among all occupations. Therefore prevention of neck pain for office workers has become a priority. While there is an emerging body of literature investigating risk factors for the development of neck pain in office workers it is evident that major gaps still exist. For example, a current model exploring the aetiology of neck pain in workers (Bone and Joint Decade Task Force Model) has not sufficiently explained physical risk factors (workplace and worker), not explored the role of coping on the interaction between workplace psychosocial factors and psychological distress, and has not considered the impact of cultural diversity. The aim of this thesis is to address these deficits.In Study 1 physical risk factors for the development of neck pain in office workers were evaluated through a systematic review with meta-analysis. The review highlighted the poor standardization and quantification of working postural behavior that was mostly limited to subjective or momentary observational assessments.In Study 4 a direct quantitative measure of postural behaviour (percent of time spent in neutral upper body posture) with during office work using wireless sensors was developed with known measurement properties (good to excellent reliability) which could be included in the longitudinal study.A longitudinal study of 220 office workers (160 from Brisbane, Australia and 60 from Daegu, South Korea) without neck pain was recruited from industry. These office workers completed baseline self-report questionnaires measuring psychosocial factors, psychological distress, and coping resources. Follow-up measurements were taken over a 12 month period to evaluate the incidence of neck pain. Physical factors (postural behaviour during office work, neck range of motion, and upper body physical performance) were also evaluated at baseline. 3In Studies 5 and 6, measurements recorded at baseline were analyzed to clarify the physical and psychosocial characteristics of the office worker sample. Study 5 showed that the relationship between job strain and psychological distress (depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms) was moderated by coping strategies. In particular a greater dependence on escape coping strategies enhanced the effect of job strain on depression symptoms, which was in turn reduced when accompanied by higher levels of social support.Study 6 showed that postural behaviour of office workers was governed by multiple factors including both workplace and individual factors. In particular, ergonomic factors (e.g., higher desk height, greater distance on desk top between keyboard and the edge of desk), individual physical factors (e.g., less neck flexor strength/endu...

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A randomised controlled trial evaluating an alternative mouse and forearm support on upper body discomfort and musculoskeletal disorders among engineers

Abstract: In engineers who use a computer for more than 20 h per week, a forearm support board may reduce right upper extremity discomfort attributed to computer use.

Cited by 41 publications

References 30 publications

Effort–reward imbalance and one-year change in neck–shoulder and upper extremity pain among call center computer operators

Effort–reward imbalance and one-year change in neck–shoulder and upper extremity pain among call center computer operators

Providing Training Enhances the Biomechanical Improvements of an Alternative Computer Mouse Design

A longitudinal study of risk factors for non-specific neck pain in office workers

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